MaxMara, Acne, Isabel Marant
This autumn, don’t fall victim to a drab wardrobe – trust us, one of us is from Portland, where the sun hardly shines – and opt instead for big, boxy coats that can perk up basic outfits while still keeping you warm.
This fall season, it’s all about the oversize coat. Worn incorrectly, it’ll look like you slung a blanket around your body and called it a day. Worn correctly, in the right size and cut for your body, it’ll add sophistication and elegance to even the most simple of skinny jeans and shirt. Think of these carefully sculpted and architectural coats as alternatives to the trusty pea.
Design Inspo:
Fashion designers were all over wonderfully tailored coats and outerwear. Just consider MaxMara, a brand steeped in a heritage all about coats. The fashion label sent looong beige and camel coats down the runway, puffing up exaggerated shapes for coats. Even the material, shearling, was big, thick and fluffy. Large lapels and wide collars balanced the minimal, long lines of the coat, keeping the proportion of the outfit from looking like someone slapped grownup clothes on a young child.
Stella McCartney, Reed Krakoff and Celine all spun their own takes on huge coats. Still stuck on ideas for an oversize coat? Two other favorites include this snowy, off-white coat from the much-celebrated designer Isabel Marant and this turquoise mohair Acne coat that looks ultra-comfy.
How to Wear:
Layering a statement, structural shape adds instant flair to a darkly hued wardrobe. Even if you weren’t born tall, you can still rock this look. Invest in a quality coat, made from a resilient, warm material such as wool. Keep the coat your focal point. Pair the coat with subdued neutrals, such as off-whites, tans, grays and black. Look for lean shapes, such as a straight pencil skirt or tailored pants, to keep the eye traveling down your body. If you’re short, wear a pair of tall autumn booties (maybe in a sultry oxblood color) to elongate your legs.
